An'an's eyes lit up the moment he heard the voice. He wiped the tears from his face and walked towards the door.
Huo Rou also visibly started at the sound, a smile appearing on her face. She nudged Qin Ningyi and said, "Come in."
The person outside was clearly in a hurry. Before An'an could even reach the door, he pushed it open after hearing Huo Rou's voice.
As it neared afternoon, the sun peeked out, the setting sun gradually slanting. His shadow was the first to enter, casting a straight silhouette on the floor.
Sunlight streamed into the room from behind him, enveloping him in a warm, golden halo.
His steps were somewhat hurried, yet still steady and elegant. His white shirt made him look exceptionally clean.
"Uncle Shen!" An'an hugged his leg, the tears he had just wiped flowing again, soaking into his pant leg.
Shen Wuyou's smile became even more doting. He bent down in the sunlight, the light behind him shining directly onto the hospital bed, making Huo Rou blink.
He glanced up at Huo Rou, then lowered his eyes, using his long, slender fingers to lift An'an's head and carefully wipe his face.
"Why are you crying so much?" he asked, patiently coaxing the child as he casually closed the door behind him.
"Mommy is sick, she's in so much pain." An'an looked at Shen Wuyou's pale face, sobbing uncontrollably, "Please, check on Mommy quickly."
"Okay, I'm here for her. Don't cry, alright?" Shen Wuyou took An'an's small hand and walked directly towards Huo Rou's hospital bed.
Xiao Yuda knew him, and they exchanged a greeting with a mere glance.
His smile faltered for a moment when he saw Qin Ningyi sitting by the bedside.
He had watched An'an grow up, so how could he not see that the person before him shared the same features as An'an?
Qin Ningyi's eyes were filled with wariness, which made him regain his smile. He nodded at Qin Ningyi.
"Are you feeling better? Why are you here?" Huo Rou's hoarse voice made Shen Wuyou frown. He placed his cool hand on Huo Rou's forehead.
At the touch, Shen Wuyou's frown deepened.
"Is this how you take care of yourself?" Shen Wuyou withdrew his hand without looking at Huo Rou's expression, turning instead to the IV drip beside her. After carefully reading the name on it, his brow eased slightly.
Huo Rou indifferently pursed her lips, "You know this condition of mine. It'll come when it's time, no matter how careful I am."
Shen Wuyou sighed, a smile of helplessness on his face. "You..."
"You're not even as good as An'an," Shen Wuyou rubbed An'an's head and sat on a stool near the bed.
"Why are you here?" Huo Rou continued her earlier question, not wanting to listen to him lecture her.
Shen Wuyou extended his hand towards her, and Huo Rou, understanding, offered her wrist.
Shen Wuyou's fingertip rested on her pulse, and then he answered her question, "It's a VIP's first visit, so they must have reported it."
"It really is yours, I thought the name sounded familiar," Huo Rou's smile was relaxed.
Qin Ningyi's mood soured as he watched her smile. However, seeing Shen Wuyou, the person who had given An'an fever medicine, and observing his demeanor as he took her pulse, he swallowed all his words.
"I told you, and I knew you wouldn't take it to heart," Shen Wuyou said, not blaming her, his smile still gentle. He withdrew his hand and then examined Huo Rou's complexion.
"Does your head hurt?"
"It's okay," Huo Rou said softly, her face appearing normal.
"The pulse is floating and tight, and sometimes empty upon palpation..." Shen Wuyou looked at her disapprovingly. "Arou, tell me properly."
"It hurts," Huo Rou shook her head, describing it nonchalantly. "It feels like something heavy is pressing down, and like many needles are pricking me."
After she finished, she blinked. "When did you become an old Chinese doctor?"
Shen Wuyou looked at the slyness on her face with great affection. Her eyes were always so serene; she could smile even when saying she was in pain.
"I've been studying traditional Chinese medicine while lying in bed these past few days. I found an ancient prescription, and with a slight modification, it should be effective." He picked up a nearby towel and reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead.
Huo Rou smiled and took the towel herself, dabbing at her forehead haphazardly. "Then I'll have to trouble the divine doctor."
"Just bear with it for a bit longer, or if it's too much, try to sleep," Shen Wuyou took a small white bottle from his bag and handed it to her. "Sleep aid."
"Thanks, but I'd rather stay awake," Huo Rou politely declined his offer and leaned back with a languid smile.
Qin Ningyi shifted his body, his shoulder fitting perfectly behind her head.
Huo Rou then turned her head to look at him and, with a smile, jokingly remarked, "Your shoulder is harder than a pillow."
Seeing the weariness in her eyes, Qin Ningyi felt even more frustrated. "If you don't want to smile, then don't. Close your eyes."
He then covered her eyes with his hand, his tone still gruff. "Rest."
Huo Rou saw his palm before her eyes. She blinked, her eyelashes lightly brushing against Qin Ningyi's palm. Under the cover of his hand, she gently closed her eyes.
The previous second, the flutter of her eyelashes had caused a tickle from his palm to his heart. The next second, he felt Huo Rou's complete reliance, as if he had been soothed, his restlessness gradually replaced by tenderness.
He looked up and met Shen Wuyou's gaze, his voice deep, "Thank you for your trouble."
Shen Wuyou averted his gaze, looking deeply at Huo Rou, who was leaning against him.
After a long moment, he withdrew his gaze, used his hands to prop himself up from the table, and slowly stood up. Without looking at Qin Ningyi, he replied in a faint tone, "It's my duty."
He then called over the attending specialist and sat down in the reception area of the ward, quietly discussing the names of the medications and their dosages.
Qin Ningyi glanced at the specialist, whom Xiao Konglin had called the top expert in the country. The expert was now holding a notebook, eagerly recording what Shen Wuyou was saying, his expression of seriousness and admiration evident.
After Shen Wuyou finished speaking, he reviewed the expert's notes, nodded, and then added a few more points of caution.
Having received affirmation, the expert's excitement was palpable, looking every bit like a devoted fan of Shen Wuyou, despite his apparent age.
As the expert went to prepare the medications, Xiao Yuda walked over with a smile and patted Shen Wuyou's shoulder. "Then I'll leave Xiaorou to you. I'll be heading back."
Qin Ningyi shot Xiao Yuda a hostile glance upon hearing this.
Shen Wuyou nodded, "Alright, Brother Xiao."
"An'an, I'm leaving now." Xiao Yuda waved at An'an, who was like a "statue gazing at his mother."
An'an reluctantly glanced back at Huo Rou before jumping off the stool and running to see Xiao Yuda out.
Inside the ward, Shen Wuyou, sitting upright, and Qin Ningyi, leaning against the headboard like a human cushion, exchanged a distant look.